OUR PREMIER LEAGUE OPPONENTS: PART THREE

WITH the 2015-16 Barclays Premier League fixtures released this week, we profile the teams Norwich City will face over the course of the season. After Parts One & Two, here's Part Three.

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Manager: Steve McClaren
Home: St James' Park
2014-15: 15th
Twitter: @NUFC
Fact: Former City loanee Jonas Gutierrez was Newcastle's hero on the last day of the season, scoring one and making another in the 2-0 victory over West Ham United that secured their top flight status.

The appointment of Steve McClaren as Newcastle manager means a new era has started at St James' Park.

Announced as John Carver's replacement in June, McClaren returns to the Premier League after a nine-year absence where he managed in the Netherlands and Germany after his short stint as England boss.

The Magpies' dramatic slide down the table after Alan Pardew's departure in January almost resulted in relegation against the backdrop of fans' disgruntlement with the ownership of Mike Ashley.

Ashley continues to lead the club despite relinquishing his position on the board; supporters will hope a summer of investment can lead to a quieter campaign on and off the pitch in 2015-16.

Mark Hughes continues to quietly go about the business of establishing Stoke City as a top-ten Premier League outfit.

Their memorable 6-1 victory over Liverpool on the final day of last season wrapped up ninth spot in the Potters' seventh consecutive year of top flight football.

Three signings have already made their way through the doors at Clayton Wood, with the recent capture of Spanish striker Joselu following deals for Philipp Wollscheid and Jakob Haugaard.

Stoke will face Liverpool at the Britannia Stadium once again on the opening day of the new season, the first time two sides have met at the same venue in consecutive Premier League fixtures.

SUNDERLAND

Manager: Dick Advocaat
Home: Stadium of Light
2014-15: 16th
Twitter: @SunderlandAFC
Fact: City and Sunderland compete for the 'Friendship Trophy' whenever they come up against eachother, in recognition of the camaraderie between the two sets of supporters during the 1985 League Cup Final.

Sunderland looked to have missed out on keeping Dick Advocaat as manager at the end of 2014-15 - until the experienced Dutchman performed a U-turn and agreed a one-year deal.

Advocaat inspired the Black Cats to survival after stepping in for the sacked Gus Poyet but took some persuading to lead them into the new campaign before eventually signing on the dotted line.

They have continually battled against relegation in recent years but boast a fine modern record over fierce rivals Newcastle United having triumphed in their last five meetings.

The Stadium of Light will be the venue for the Canaries' first away match back in the Premier League on August 15.